Robin of Sherrardswood

“Robin of Sherrardswood” was a pantomime written and directed by members of the Digswell Players themselves and it was full to the brim with a good story line, comedy, slapstick and plenty of audience participation, all the ingredience for a fun night out at the village hall.

Scene changes were well executed though a little slow at times, although for the most part the action in front of the tabs kept the audience entertained and so technically a good show.

Lighting was appropriate and though there were a few dark spots on the stage the cast managed to position themselves well and faces did not end up in shadow

The band created some lovely sounds, and I enjoyed the choice of music. There were some nice moments and “Make Your Music” sung by young Connie Marshall as Hodekin, was very nicely accomplished. Both Connie Marshall and Joe Gouldstone as Rush spoke clearly and rhymically and diction was good.

Overall there was plenty of energy in the musical numbers but the dance routines lacked polish and faces needed to look out at the audience, not at the floor.

Kat Peacock and Kate Stacey were well matched as Robin and Marion with both having a good command of the stage and the need to engage their audience without being patronising. A pantomime technique that does not come naturally.

Pip Gray gave us a very lively Dame, “Wilma Scarlet”, who sang and acted the part really well, and kept his character going throughout. Again a lively raport with the audience.

John Simpson as Tuck, played a convincing match to Wilma and I could see the potential of a very funny slapstick scene with the wallpaper paste, however, on the night I attended things did not quite go to plan and perhaps this scene needed a little more rehearsal. Slapstick needs to be choreographed precisely as the humour comes from the audience watching actors believing that what they are doing is absolutely serious. Never the less it made me smile.

Martin Gouldstone and Stuart Carnegiehad had great fun playing Morris and Minor, the panto comics, and took every opportunity to work their audience and make the most of the corny jokes.

There was a new twist on the Sheriff in this pantomime as the Sheriff was played by a woman, and why not? Mary Goodfellow portrayed the fashion conscious, glitzy music hating Sheriff with great enthusiasm, but I felt more could have been made of the archery competition.   Placing her almost out of sight lost vital facial expressions and body language so important at the end of this scene.

Laura Nicholson “Big John, Lucy Markwick “Much” and Claire Barker “Alan a Dale” complemented Robin and Marion and each showed a different trait to their individual characterisation. I was particularly impressed with Laura Nicholson and the confidence she showed working with more experienced adults. Well done.

Jenny Skitt  as the tree “Tim Ber” was one of the best pantomime trees I have ever seen and I thought the costume was exceptionally well thought out.

Generally, costumes were appropriate throughout, but some finishing touches, such as ribbon in the children’s hair and fringes clipped back out of the way could have made the overall look, neater.

The direction overall, and the choreography was mostly suitable, as it is difficult on such a small stage to get the cast dressing it but avoiding it looking cramped.  Perhaps more grouping rather than lines would be better, although some of the ensemble scenes were very lively and gave the impression of lots going on.

I enjoyed the show and there were some good performances, which gave us a traditional production, with some very nice moments, and a show that we enjoyed very much.

Thank you for your generous hospitality and I hope to see you all again soon.

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